BENZYLADENINE FOLIAR APPLICATION AS A MEANS TO ENHANCE BRANCH PRODUCTION FROM THE YOUNG PLANTS OF THREE JOJOBA CLONES GROWN IN MIDDLE SINAI

Foliar applications of benzyladenine(0, 100 and 150 mg L−1) are studied as a potential way to increase production of branches for young plants of three jojoba clones (S-700, S-1300 and S-118) grown in sandy soil under drip irrigation system from well at El-MagharaResearch Station, Desert Research Center, North Sinai Governorate, Egypt. Benzyladenine (BA) was applied four times a year starting on 1st May, (2015 and 2016) with one-month intervals in both seasons. Vegetative growth parameters, flower buds production and seed yield were statistically different between clones. The total number of branches, the flower number and seed yield in three clones were significantly increased by treatment with BA. In general, a higher BA concentration resulted in highest number of branches. The increase in the production of flower buds and the yield of seed was correlated with the increase in the production of branches. Moreover, clone S-700 showed the highest positive response to foliar applications of BA.